Ask HN: What's the most important thing you learned this year?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4985536

by dave1010uk • 14 years ago

13 6 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

That I've failed.

If one thing among a handful of fundamental things goes wrong, I'm homeless or dead. I have no savings or backup. I don't have the courage or health to be homeless.

Don't fail. I don't mean the cute fail fast and pivot. I mean don't fundamentally fail managing your life. There is no do-over.

znowi• 14 years ago

I'm sorry to hear that. I can only hope that the new year will make it right for you.

I'd really like to know more about what kind of fundamental failures you're talking about. You hear a lot how failing is OK and one should not be afraid to fail. Though you say don't and there's no do-over. This is alarming.

japhyr• 14 years ago

I learned that I have enough skills to make meaningful things for other people.

I have been a hobbyist programmer all my life. This year I realized I wanted to use my skills to build things that are actually used by others. I accepted a freelance position that came my way, and I wish I had looked for this kind of work years ago. I see now, that I could have as much technical work as I care to take on.

If you are thinking of freelancing and have never tried it, take a chance. Don't quit your day job, but take on a side project. Most of us here have the skills to do at least some freelance work.

shepbook• 14 years ago

I had this same kind of experience.

I taught myself Rails in about a month and then joined a Startup Weekend event. It made me realize just how much I _could_ do.

I too went the "freelance" route. I didn't have the experience of taking it on as a "side project". I was fired from my job and, rather than do the job search grind, I found it easier and better to do contract work on a "freelance" basis.

I'm still figuring it all out, but the important part is that I've learned just how valuable and capable I am. All it took was making that leap and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.

Unlike most people, it seems, I actually do suggest quitting your job. Get a handful of months of savings (if possible) first, and then make the jump. It's hard work, but it's worth it.

mathattack• 14 years ago

Humility.

garrickvanburen• 14 years ago

to shrug.

Ask HN: What's the most important thing you learned this year?

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